Student accused of making false statements

A University of Wyoming student has been cited for interference with a police investigation in connection with a post on a non-university-affiliated Facebook page that included a reference to sexual violence.

Meghan Lanker-Simons received the citation as a result of false statements she made to the UW Police Department. The UWPD investigation concluded that she was responsible for the post on the now-dismantled “UW Crushes” Facebook site in which she ostensibly was targeted as a potential victim of sexual violence.

The citation followed a police interview of Lanker-Simons and a search of her computer equipment pursuant to a search warrant. UW police obtained substantial evidence verifying that the offending Facebook post came from Lanker-Simons’ computer, while the computer was in her possession.

“This episode has sparked an important discussion reaffirming that the UW community has no tolerance for sexual violence or violence of any type. The fact that the Facebook post apparently was a fabrication does not change the necessity for continued vigilance in assuring that we have a campus where everyone feels safe,” UW spokesman Chad Baldwin says. “It’s important that this event does not undermine the progress that has been made in this area.”